Mosque | " J&F ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER "

The Mosque, located in the bay area of Durres city, showcases how a modern approach to designing an Islamic structure in Albania could be. The project sits on a flat land near the intersection of two roads in a quiet neighborhood. By dividing functions in two different buildings, the project is enabled to comply with different plots or needs by modifying the annex and the courtyards. 

The main challenge of the design was to explore new possibilities of the mosque typology yet maintaining the identity and spirituality of such an influential building. The work included the design of all aspects including architecture, interior design, furniture, woodworks, carpets, door handles, and all other items. This played a major role in implementing the concept on all elements in the project and carrying it to its full potential.

The cubic shape of the mosque is oriented in direction to Mecca. In the top is incorporated a dome, which represents the oneness of Allah. In the exterior and interior of the mosque is used a particular pattern which derives from six interlocking circles around a hexagon, which originates from a Damascan mashrabiya screen. The pattern was proliferated on several surfaces such as the woodwork, metal work, internal walls, mashrabiyas, minaret and dome. The repetitive use of the circles gives a sense of continuity, which is one of the main concepts.

The second concept stands in the interior of the mosque, especially in the ceiling, in which are portrayed 99 names of Allah and Quranic verses on the wall. Is used the squared Koufi font type, which is extremely modern yet is one of the oldest forms of Arabic calligraphy.

The third concept is introduced in the main gate of the mosque, which is a structure that holds in the top, the Quran. Also in the two sides of the gate are designed small shops.

In the entrance of the mosque is designed a roofed porch that has a verse of the Quran written in relief and a patterned steel structure in the front façade where is the women’s hall in the mezzanine. The main door of the mosque is an impressive solid walnut wood door with a pattern engraved on it. It leads to a yet more fascinating space in the main prayer hall, which is a linear space directed towards Mecca with a suspended wooden perforated partition separating the women’s hall in the mezzanine, providing privacy yet maintaining engagement with the spirit of the mosque.

The fourth concept of the building is to sculpt a contemporary spiritual space using light as the main tool in a minimal architectural language. The masses and openings are designed to respond to natural light throughout the day from the unique shapes of the windows. In the two other facades, in left and right of the mosque are also parallel designed four reinforced concrete structures, 12 meters high, for each side, patterned with steel structure. These structures which stand in flower vases act as shades during the day and are lightened during the night. The patterned wall filters the morning light and allows it to penetrate the interior space forming a variety of patterns on the floors and emphasizing the Qoranic verses inscribed on the walls. This light changes direction and shape with the change of sun angle until at noon. The light also emphasizes the calligraphed Quranic verses that are written in relief on the upper circumference of the space and reflects on the patterned ceiling and the dome exposing its multiple levels and depth.

In the afternoon and at the time of the sunset prayer, the light penetrates from the western end through the long perforated wooden structure to again draw patterns of different scales and shapes on the simple carpeted blue floor also designed by using simple Islamic patterns. These effects are reversed at night when the interior lighting starts to penetrate the facades to the outside and reflect the same patterns on the outer surfaces and pathways extending the atmosphere to the surrounding areas. This play of light, mass, and material is a modernization of the traditional Islamic art to create a three dimensional sculptural quality of space.

This mosque is a combination of complexity and simplicity in the way that complex patterns and elements are all combined in a minimal space to allow light to enhance the spirituality of the space through its sculptural quality and to create a variety of atmospheres. It is an interactive space that connects with its users creating architecture of light, tradition, and the contemporary.